Topics

Search

You are here

China

China’s size and rapid growth have made it an economic and political powerhouse. But while these advances transformed the country’s economy and lifted more than 500 million people out of poverty, they’ve come with environmental challenges.

China is a leading emitter of greenhouse gases. The country burns almost as much coal as the rest of the world combined—and has more than 350 new coal plants slated for development. Nearly 38 percent of China’s major lakes and 30 percent of its largest rivers are so polluted they’re unsafe for use.

China’s leaders recognize these problems and have made “ecological progress” a priority. WRI China—established in 2007—works with business, government, and community leaders to shift the country onto a more sustainable development path.

Our research-based solutions and tools allow businesses and governments to measure, manage, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. We identify methods to cost-effectively tackle China’s water quantity and quality concerns. We demonstrate models of environment-smart development for China’s growing cities. And we aim to advance safe, sustainable transport systems throughout the country.

Top China Outcomes

What's a top outcome?

Top outcomes are WRI's biggest success stories. They occur when our analysis, solutions, or partnerships result in significant change in the world.

Featured Expert

New in China

All

While more than one-third of China still suffers from high water stress, there are signs of improvement: New WRI analysis shows that the rate of increase in the country's water withdrawals has slowed from 5.1 billion cubic meters per year in 2001-2010 to 1.6 billion cubic meters per year from 2010-2015.

Home to more than a billion people, these countries are charting a dynamic path towards low-carbon wealth. To stay the course, they'll need to confront three issues: inclusive development, rapidly-expanding cities and economy-wide measures for reducing carbon emissions.

The Paris Agreement was the result of unexpected collaboration between the United States and China. President Trump has backed his nation out of the deal, but the surge in subnational action in the U.S. creates an opportunity for joint research, knowledge transfer and continued low-carbon development.